Jeff Bobo

The HCSO "Wives Behind the Lines" organization raised funds this fall to treat 15 children in Saturday's first annual "Christmas with a Cop" shopping spree and party. (photos contributed by Jared Greer)

ROGERSVILLE — Hawkins County deputies treated 15 children to a shopping spree Saturday afternoon during the first annual “Christmas with a Cop” organized by the HCSO Wives behind the Lines organization.

The names of 15 underprivileged children were submitted to the wives organization by area schools.

Each child received a limousine ride from the sheriff’s department to the Rogersville Walmart.

At Walmart each child was pared up with a deputy who took them on a $100 shopping spree where they could buy anything they wanted.

Most went straight to the toy aisle, but one child had other priorities on his mind.

“This one little boy, the first thing he picked out was an electric blanket which cost about $50,” said Sheriff Ronnie Lawson. “He said he got cold at night and needed that more than he needed toys. On the one hand it makes you feel good, but on the other hand it’s also a little heart-breaking to know there are children in our county who are cold at night.”

Jennifer Ferguson, who is the wife of Deputy Ken Ferguson founded the “Wives Behind the Line” organization in September.

Over a two month period of fundraising the group initially collected enough donations for 10 children.

But, a week before the event another five were added. Fortunately several area businesses and other contributors were able to meet their demand.

“I called the school board and asked them to pick the kids that they thought could benefit the most from this, who might not be able to participate in the Angel Tree program or other programs like that,” Ferguson said.

After the shopping spree the children were brought back to the sheriff’s office for a pizza party, and hang out with the deputies.

Ferguson said she founded Wives Behind the Line because law enforcement wives needed a support group. It also gives them a foundation to organize activities like Christmas with a Cop, which she said will now become an annual event.